‘Technolodges’ opened in Kollam

Kollam: Two ‘technolodges,’ small IT service centres, were opened at Kadakkal and Perinad in Kollam district on Saturday, as part of the State government’s plan to push the spread of the information technology (IT) industry to the grassroots level.

The ‘technolodge’ scheme of the government seeks to facilitate the setting up of IT industry units in small towns and villages.

Labour Minister P.K. Gurudasan, who inaugurated the facility at Kadakkal, said the scheme would help IT companies operate from low-cost rural centres and thereby create employment in rural areas.

“Today, this has seen fruition at Kadakkal and Perinad, and very soon, there will be more centres across the State,” Mr. Gurudasan said.

Under the scheme, the government plans to open 100 ‘technolodges’ across the State. Over 60 panchayats have already offered infrastructure to set up ‘technolodges.’

Technopark-based Accentia Technologies has taken over the ‘technolodges’ in Kollam and will start rolling out their services from these centres.

The 2,500-square-feet Kadakkal facility can seat 54 employees, while the 2,750-square-feet Perinad centre can accommodate 78.

Accentia plans to employ 250 professionals in the Kadakkal facility and 300 in Perinad tIN three shifts.

The State government has spent nearly Rs.20 lakh for refurbishing the building at Kadakkal and around Rs.3 million on the Perinad centre, officials said. “‘Technolodge’ has been set up with the objective to create low- cost alternative locations for BPO companies,” IT Secretary Ajay Kumar said. “Many IT companies in the State have already shown interest in the upcoming ‘technolodges’ as this initiative will provide local talent and lower cost opportunities.” — IANS